1998 Ford Contour vs. 1971 Volvo 145
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1971 Volvo 145. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1971 Volvo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volvo 145 weights approximately 48 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1971 Volvo 145 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Volvo 145. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volvo 145. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volvo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1971 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | 145 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
